Paula came to Slack & Davis from the Dallas law firm Howie & Sweeney, a firm she founded with John Howie in 1995. Paula and John practiced together until his death in December 2002.

Paula has a stellar reputation for successfully representing clients in complex cases and litigation. In the courtroom, her skills as a cross-examiner have been described as “relentless,” “driven,” and as one defense lawyer put it, “Paula is like a heat-seeking missile.”

She is a frequent teacher and invited lecturer for legal, medical and other professional groups across Texas and much of the United States. Recently named a “Legend of Trial Law” by the Dallas Bar Association, she is known for her powerful cross-examination skills and her expertise in handling complex cases involving catastrophic injury and complicated medical issues.

Representative Work (cases)

Personal Injury

Rene Leduc v. Oriental Building Services, Inc.Rene Leduc, a baggage handler for American Airlines, severely injured his leg when he swerved to miss a pickup truck under the D-FW airport terminal. Slack & Davis represented the plaintiff in the winning jury verdict. It was the #7 Motor Vehicle verdict in Texas in 2012, according to the 2012 Top Texas Verdicts list, sponsored by Verdict Search and Texas Lawyer magazine.

Leon Alfano, et al. v. Corrections Corporation of America
Autumn Miller, et al. v. Corrections Corporation of America
These two cases were filed against Corrections Corporation of America (CCA) for violating inmates’ constitutional rights at Dawson State Jail. CCA was required to provide prisoners with reasonable access to medical care. In Alfano, a severely diabetic prisoner was denied access to medical care in the middle of the night. CCA failed to call for medical help and instead left her to die on a mattress on the floor outside the medical unit. In Miller, CCA ignored a pregnant inmate’s cries for help and locked her in a holding cell alone where she gave birth to her premature baby into a toilet. The baby, Gracie, died four days later. The facility is now being closed.

Medical Malpractice

Armstrong v. BrooksA young, married attorney suffering from curable lymphoma was nauseated from his chemo treatments and became dehydrated. He was admitted to the hospital where he was not sufficiently re-hydrated, coded and died. The defense accused him of committing suicide by secretly taking cardiac medications. The jury awarded a verdict to Paula’s clients, his wife and young daughters. (Paula initially handled claim while at a different law firm.)

Recent Publications and Speaking Engagements

Recent Publications

“Health Care and Medical Products Liability Update” (Recognized as “Best Continuing Legal Education Paper” from the State Bar of Texas and “Best Non-Judicial Article” from the Texas Judicial Council)